Crosby Gaige’s Cocktail Guide and Ladies’ Companion. By Crosby Gaige. M. Barrows and Co. (1941). The most treasured tome on my shelf, this harmonious blend of humor and how-to led me to my present vocation. (I remain unsure whether to thank or blame the esteemed Mr. Gaige for that.) His chapters mix recipes, lore, and [...]

“Potentially alcoholic men who maintained self-control all their lives because their work structures demanded it, men whose behavior was tempered by their responsibilities, come to Florida in retirement and fall apart.” — William E. Blundell, “My Florida”

“Chicagoans are heavy drinkers and like their liquor authoritative. Only since the war, when it got hard to get, have any wanted Scotch. In the old days Scotch was only for Englishmen and fairies.” — Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer, Chicago Confidential

Do you have any advice for someone (me) who tends to drink their drinks too fast? I can’t help it — I’m a gulper. (Advice about how to SLOW DOWN, that is. I don’t want to deal with any underlying issues.) — Kirstin An excellent question, young lady, and one that has plagued sober-minded drinks [...]